The big problem is, I post some ideas with impulsive promises and commitments to make happen by the 31st. I set myself up for failure and always look back on something and think "Why did I say I was definitely going to do that"? So, I'm still going to share Halloween yard ideas, but not describe any as definite plans.
Alright fresh start.
Anyway, this is what I'm definitely making this year.... awwww dammit Dave.
Nevermind, this is the fresh start. Definitely.
I've been doodling fiendish flowers and scary shrub ideas for the front yard. Thinking up any kind of monster plant that doesn't resemble Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors is almost impossible. But it's fun to try.
They'll be part of a small garden tended by old Mrs. Scaryweather, she's been missing for a couple of years now (broke and busted). I wanted to bring her back last October, as envisioned in the sketch below, but ran out of time. I'm hoping to actually create this scene in the corner of the front yard. If I'm able to make the faux pumpkin patch, it would be a nice to work in the pumpkin cart and scarecrow from last year as well.
Sounds fun! I always liked the scene in "Little Shop of Horrors" where Audrey II's roots came bursting out of the pot!
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me to take my yard haunt to the next level this year, and do a voodoo on the bayou theme. So don't stop sharing your thoughts and ideas ... your enthusiasm is wonderfully contageous!
Jim, the voodoo bayou theme sounds really fun (and unique).
DeleteGlad you like my enthusiasm, the fiancee just rolls her eyes nowadays, and a good reason I share ideas on the blog, she's tired of me running into the room and yelling "I have a Halloween idea!"
I know ... my wife's the same way. that's why it's so important to me to see someone else with the bug. "I'm not alone," I sigh as I read your blog!
DeleteShe who must be obeyed (my wife) says I should start a blog as well, to keep myself honest, and friends up to date. As I have no friends, I don't have to worry about the last part. But she's right about the other ... if I write it and put it out there, I pretty much have to save face by doing what I plan. So here goes ... (I have no illusions to match your professionalism here. I'll just keep it simple and honest)
Deletehttp://thewrighthalloweenstuff.blogspot.com/
My problem is similar, but different: I love looking at everyone else's projects and thinking about building...but without ever really getting around to starting them let alone finishing them. I could read about making props all day (and I do!) but getting in gear and doing it myself is a completely different thing.
ReplyDeleteRich
Rich, I hear ya. That happens to me too, especially with things that are not even Halloween related, like home improvement and decorating ideas.
DeleteI LOVE your designs! The sunflower with the under bite is probably my favorite. I can't wait to see Mrs. Scaryweather in her garden this fall. I just may have to take a trip down south this October to see your yard in all it's autumnal glory!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Ever thought of inking those plants in and releasing those images as digital scrapbooking/cardmaking images?
I'm a creepy Hallowe'en paper crafter and would love to make some cards with those images! Just a thought. I love your comical yet spooky approach to your art. Check out my blog if you'd like to see what I'm talking about.
Creepy, thanks.
DeleteGood idea, about the scrapbooking/cardmaking. I've seen other artists selling hi-rez image files online, I've actually thought about it. We'll see.
I'm always happy to see your project ideas, and I love love love the plant with four eyes in the top picture. If you could rig up some deal so the eyes MOVED, I think you'd have a prop people would never forget!
ReplyDeleteUrsula, thanks.
DeleteMaking the eyes move would be cool. Problem is, I have no practical skills in animatronics. That's something though, I've been working on learning more about. One day maybe.
If you want them to blink, you'll definitely need animatronics. I'm guessing you'd want to look at some sort of microcontroller set up for that. But if all you want is for the eyeballs to move there's no reason why you couldn't go with the good ol' moving eye portrait trick. Especially if you can put a clear dome over the concave eye: then you will have an actual eyeball and you can sculpt the eyelids around it as you would with any other eye.
DeleteStella,
DeleteGenius! The "moving eye portrait" gag would be easy to incorporate and work great. Thanks for reminding me of. If I can do for a large window monster or a framed portrait above the mantle, why not in a smaller plant prop?
You know, thinking about it you probably don't need a microcontroller for blinking eyes. Another option here would be to use a tripwire and pulley/counterweight system to make the plants rustle and open their eyes when someone triggers the tripwire.
DeleteYou could disguise the tripwire with fake cobweb, but in fact it won't matter if people notice the tripwire - it will just look like it's there to alert the plants that their next meal is approaching.
Microcontrollers? Tripwires? Counterweights?
DeleteI'm just going to make a creepy looking pitcher plant with legs and call it a day.
Jokes aside, good ideas, I'll think about.
oh wow. i'm in trouble now, if you're on the evil plants kick. yours are gonna be so much better than mine. which makes sense, really... please, please please keep showing us ideas for this. : )
ReplyDeletePensive, you're making evil plants too! Fun! What are you planning?
DeleteThe ideas will keep coming. Thanks, glad you like them.
Ohhhhh!!! Mrs. Scaryweather and a pumpkin patch with the scarecrow and pumpkin cart would be awesome!! I love the cart with the pumpkins...it reminds me of something I believe I've seen in the Haunted Mansion either having a coffin or hearse with pumpkins spilling out of it in either the Ballroom or the Graveyard and I've always wanted to make something to that effect.. Been going through Disneyland withdrawals and I'm more annoyed that I can't remember where I had seen that, or if it is during the Haunted Mansion Holiday.. that is going to drive me bonkers!!
ReplyDeleteDismal
DeleteIf I remember correctly, you're right. I think in the Haunted Mansion Holiday version, in the ballroom scene a hearse or wagon is backed up through the wall and pumpkins are spilling out on the floor.
Now I gotta start Googling that.
Aewsome! This may be just the boot up the backside I need to finally finish my pitcher plant with legs.
ReplyDeleteStella,
ReplyDeleteA pitcher plant with legs?!!! Go. Make. Now!
Here it is:
DeleteIt's quite subtle for a Halloween prop though. For what you're doing I think it'd be better in a larger size - say, large enough to concievably eat a small dog or toddler, and perhaps with eyes under the rim of the pitcher.
I love making man eating plants. I have built a few and one of them was shown on the Martha Stewart Show this past October.I look forward to seeing your results.
ReplyDeleteHey Dave...I have a suggestion for a paranormal cartoon. I am (foolishly) growing 4 pumpkin plants in a 10 x 15' garden plot. I have to go there twice a day to stake & bury the vines to train them not to take over the yard. What about a "CAUTION: HUNGRY PUMPKINS" or "CAUTION: KILLER PUMPKINS VIES" or something like that, with a real caution sign-like yellow & black image of a huge evil grinning pumpkin holding up a person in it's tentacle-vine?? Or maybe a stick figure (like on a cross walk sign ) person behind grabbed?? I'd LOVE this!! Plus, I'd print it, laminate it & stick in in my community garden plot!! LOL! Just an idea..thanks for the endless fun on here.
ReplyDeleted5, Haunt Forum